A PROUD and grateful nation yesterday saluted its heroes who sacrificed their lives defending the homeland’s security and sovereignty.
His Majesty King Hamad, the Supreme Commander, led the tributes, noting that their heroic actions will always remain engraved in the national memory.
His Majesty was patronising a ceremony marking Commemoration Day, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and Prime Minister, at Sakhir Palace.
“Our righteous martyrs have written a glorious history of heroism that immortalised their names and the names of their families, so they became a pride for their country and their families,” he said.
The King paid tribute to martyrs’ families “who are as brave as their beloved” and hailed their courage, resilience and patriotism.
He also commended loyal citizens who remained cohesive and showed sympathy and solidarity with relatives of the fallen servicemen.
The King prayed to Allah the Almighty to rest the martyrs’ souls in eternal peace, wishing Bahrain further progress.
Upon arrival, the King was welcomed by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
Verses from the Quran were recited and the National Anthem played at the sombre ceremony before a minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs of duty.
After that, a squadron of fighter jets from the Royal Bahraini Air Force conducted a flypast in tribute. Then, the King inspected the guard of honour and later a band played the Last Return.
Court of Cassation’s Sharia Department chairman and Al Fateh Mosque imam, Shaikh Adnan bin Abdulla Al Qattan, delivered a speech paying homage to the martyrs of duty, and praying mercy for them.
After that, Royal Protocols chief prayed for the souls of fallen servicemen. The King and HRH Prince Salman watered a palm tree, a symbol of eternal life.
Finally, the National Anthem was played again, signalling the conclusion of the commemorative event.
A commemoration ceremony was also held at the Royal Guard under the patronage of National Security Adviser and Royal Guard Commander Major General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The celebration was attended by Commander of the Royal Guard Special Force Lieutenant Colonel Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
After holding the official commemoration protocols, Major General Shaikh Nasser watered a palm tree. He paid homage to his grandfather Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa, one of Bahrain’s martyrs who sacrificed his life in a battle defending Bahrain.
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